Daily News 19

Category: Sports

Sports news, viral moments, athletes, teams, and major competitions.

  • Designer Bob Mackie, Pioneer of Celebrities’ ‘naked dresses,’ Dies

    Designer Bob Mackie, Pioneer of Celebrities’ ‘naked dresses,’ Dies

    The fashion world is mourning the loss of Bob Mackie, one of the industry’s most influential designers of the last decade and a pioneer who dressed global icons across music and film. The news was confirmed via his official Instagram account.

    “With great sorrow, we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. He fully lived his 87 years, fulfilling his dream of being a fashion and costume designer, which was all he ever wanted to do. His genius and his extraordinary designs will endure forever, and will continue to bring beauty to this world.”

    The announcement did not disclose a cause of death or provide further details.

    From Paramount Studios to Hollywood Legend

    Born in California in 1939, Mackie arrived in Hollywood at age 22 to work as an illustrator at Paramount Studios. His career accelerated when he became the costume designer for The Carol Burnett Show, one of the 1960s’ most-watched television programs. That role opened doors to an exclusive clientele that included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Madonna.

    Iconic Designs That Defined Red Carpet History

    Mackie transitioned from television studios to the world’s most prestigious runways and red carpets. Among his most famous creations is the “revenge dress” worn by Cher at the 1986 Academy Awards. The daring ensemble featured a very low-waisted skirt exposing her abdomen, a minimal top, and dramatic black feathers adorning her head.

    Decades later, another Mackie masterpiece went viral when Kim Kardashian wore it to the Met Gala. The dress held profound historical significance: it was the original garment Marilyn Monroe wore when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

    Bob Mackie’s legacy of glamour, drama, and fearless design leaves an indelible mark on fashion history.

  • London Loses 2029 World Athletics Championships Bid to Nairobi

    London Loses 2029 World Athletics Championships Bid to Nairobi

    Nairobi Wins Bid to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships, Marking Historic First for Africa

    London has lost its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Nairobi, Kenya. The decision was confirmed during a World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest, ensuring an African city will host the global event for the first time in history.

    Coe Hails Nairobi’s “Compelling and Emotional” Bid

    World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the selection process as highly competitive, with four outstanding bids submitted for the 2029 and 2031 editions.

    “We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council,” said Coe.

    Coe emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the championship’s global footprint.

    “With this decision today, we continue to fulfil our mission of growing athletics worldwide with the hosting of our World Athletics Championships in Asia, Africa and Europe over its next three editions.”

    He further highlighted the historic significance of the African continent hosting the event.

    “Nairobi presented a compelling and emotional bid, and taking the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time will be historic.”

    Coe stressed that the timing and readiness of the Kenyan capital were decisive factors.

    “It was important that the World Athletics Championships should come to Africa when we had the right host, the right bid and the right circumstances. Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment.”

    London Bid Leveraged 2012 Olympic Legacy

    The UK bid centered on the London Stadium, home to Premier League club West Ham United. The venue previously hosted the 2012 Olympic Games, the annual London Diamond League meet, and the 2017 World Athletics Championships. The bid was spearheaded by Athletic Ventures, a consortium comprising UK Athletics, London Marathon Events, and the Great Run Company.

    UK Athletics Expresses “Deep Disappointment” but Congratulates Nairobi

    Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics and co-founder of Athletic Ventures, acknowledged the strength of the British proposal while accepting the outcome.

    “We are deeply disappointed that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will not be held in London. We believed we had an outstanding bid which would genuinely take the sport to new levels.”

    Buckner extended gratitude to the extensive network of public and private stakeholders that supported the campaign.

    “We would like to thank the Government, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London and UK Sport for their fantastic support for our bid. Our thanks also to the London Stadium, West Ham United and our many stakeholders for their commitment and hard work to put the bid together.”

    He concluded with a message of sportsmanship toward the winning bid.

    “Our congratulations go to Nairobi and we wish the organising committee all the best for a great event in 2029.”

    Munich Selected for 2031 Edition; Nairobi’s Infrastructure Gains Momentum

    Rome was the other candidate to miss out for 2029. World Athletics simultaneously confirmed that Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships, marking the first time the German city stages the event.

    Nairobi previously bid for the 2025 championships, which were awarded to Tokyo. The Kenyan capital’s case was strengthened by the ongoing renovation of Kasarani Stadium ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kenya’s strong performance at the 2025 edition—finishing second in the medal table with seven golds and 11 total medals—further underscored the nation’s standing in the sport.

  • Mercedes Explains Why George Russell Pitted Under VSC at Madring

    Mercedes Explains Why George Russell Pitted Under VSC at Madring

    Key Highlights

    • Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord revealed George Russell’s alternate strategy was forced by the poorly timed virtual safety car on lap 14, which ruined the team’s planned one-stop on hard tyres.
    • Russell switched to mediums under the VSC to attempt an undercut on Charles Leclerc, then returned to hards on lap 28, finishing just 0.7 seconds behind the Ferrari in fifth place.
    • The result leaves Russell 81 points adrift of Mercedes teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli, with the Briton admitting a title challenge now feels “exceptionally unlikely.”

    VSC Timing Derails Mercedes’ Original One-Stop Plan for Russell

    Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord has detailed the strategic dilemma that forced George Russell into a two-stop strategy during Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix, explaining that the virtual safety car deployment on lap 14 arrived at the “worst possible time” for the British driver. Russell started sixth on the hard compound tyre with a clear intention to run long and execute a one-stop race, mirroring the approach of Charles Leclerc ahead of him in the Ferrari. However, the neutralisation period—triggered while Russell was the second car on hards behind Leclerc—eliminated any realistic chance of overtaking or undercutting on similar-aged rubber.

    Why Mercedes Chose to ‘Box Opposite to Leclerc’

    Faced with the prospect of Russell simply circulating behind the Ferrari to the finish, Mercedes opted for a reactive ‘box opposite to Leclerc’ call under the VSC. “The opportunity to undercut was very, very limited, and the opportunity to overtake was almost non-existent for cars on similar age tyres,” Lord explained. The team fitted medium tyres knowing they would not last the remaining 43 laps, planning a 20-lap stint before switching back to the more durable hard compound for the final phase. This divergent strategy was a calculated gamble to create a performance differential in a race where track position appeared unassailable.

    Russell’s Pace Forces Ferrari’s Hand and Nearly Yields a Podium

    The tactical switch sparked an impressive performance from Russell. His pace on the medium tyre was sufficient to pressure Leclerc into an earlier pit stop than Ferrari likely desired, a move that simultaneously handed clean air to race leader and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell rejoined on fresh hards for the closing laps and hounded Leclerc relentlessly, crossing the line a mere 0.7 seconds adrift of the Ferrari in fifth place. Lord noted Russell “unleashed some really impressive performance” and that the hard tyre proved “quite fragile” on the Ferrari in the final stint.

    Why This Matters

    The Spanish Grand Prix outcome underscores the critical importance of safety car timing in modern Formula 1 strategy, particularly at circuits like Madrid where overtaking is at a premium. For Mercedes, the race delivered a bittersweet narrative: a dominant victory for championship leader Kimi Antonelli, facilitated by the same VSC that compromised Russell’s race. The 81-point gap now separating the teammates highlights how quickly a title fight can pivot on a single strategic variable. With Russell openly conceding his championship hopes are “exceptionally unlikely,” the focus within the team will inevitably shift toward consolidating Antonelli’s lead while extracting maximum constructors’ points from both cars in the remaining rounds.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did George Russell pit under the Virtual Safety Car when he started on hard tyres?

    The VSC deployed on lap 14 at the worst possible moment for Russell’s planned one-stop strategy. As the second car on hards behind Charles Leclerc, staying out would have condemned him to following the Ferrari to the finish with almost zero overtaking opportunity. Mercedes chose to ‘box opposite to Leclerc,’ fitting mediums to create a strategic differential.

    How did Russell’s alternate strategy affect the race outcome?

    Russell’s medium-tyre stint forced Leclerc into an earlier pit stop than Ferrari planned, which gave Kimi Antonelli clean air at the front. Russell then switched back to hards on lap 28 and closed to within 0.7 seconds of Leclerc by the finish, setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.

    What is George Russell’s current championship deficit to Kimi Antonelli?

    Following the Spanish Grand Prix, Russell trails Mercedes teammate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 81 points. Russell has described his chances of fighting for the title as “exceptionally unlikely.”

  • Michael J. Fox Inspires at 2026 Emmys: “Accepting Parkinson’s didn’t mean I had to give up”

    Michael J. Fox Inspires at 2026 Emmys: “Accepting Parkinson’s didn’t mean I had to give up”

    Michael J. Fox, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for decades, delivered a powerful moment at the 2026 Emmy Awards when he accepted the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. The honor, presented only six times since its inception, recognized the veteran actor’s enduring advocacy and fundraising efforts for Parkinson’s research. His acceptance speech defined the evening, offering a candid reflection on his journey from a secret diagnosis to leading a global research foundation.

    From Private Struggle to Public Advocacy

    Fox revealed that he initially concealed his condition after being diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 29. “At first, I kept my Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret. I was worried it would affect my work and my relationship with the public. I was surprised by everyone’s support, I felt very encouraged. I understood that accepting the disease did not mean I had to give up. I had to do everything possible for everyone living with this,” the actor said.

    The five-time Emmy winner went on to describe how that realization sparked a lifelong mission. “I set out to advocate for Parkinson’s disease and raise funds. I found people to lead this initiative and committed myself to funding the best scientific research in the world. I am proud of the progress we have made for the benefit of patients and their families. We are getting ever closer to the definitive eradication of the disease. I am deeply grateful to our staff, donors, researchers, and the patient community who make our work at the Michael J. Fox Foundation possible”.

    The Michael J. Fox Foundation: Origin and Impact

    The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000, shortly after Fox publicly disclosed his diagnosis. Since then, the organization has become the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s drug development. The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Emmys acknowledges not only his celebrated acting career but also his transformative contributions to medical research and patient advocacy.

  • Esteban Ocon and Haas Find Positives Despite ‘Disappointed’ Madrid Result

    Esteban Ocon and Haas Find Positives Despite ‘Disappointed’ Madrid Result

    Esteban Ocon expressed disappointment after narrowly missing out on championship points with an 11th-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking his closest brush with a top-ten result since the Monaco round. Despite the frustration, the Haas F1 Team extracted significant encouragement from the weekend, with their latest aerodynamic upgrade package demonstrating genuine performance gains at the Madrid circuit.

    Upgrade Package Delivers on Promise

    The American squad had endured a difficult mid-season slump following their last major update in Canada, which failed to deliver the expected step forward. A strong start to the campaign dissolved into repeated Q1 eliminations and battles with Williams and Aston Martin. However, the team introduced updates to Ollie Bearman’s car in Zandvoort, with Ocon receiving the aero package at Monza. While the Italian circuit’s characteristics masked some of the gains, the improvements were fully visible at the Madring layout.

    Ocon: Strong Start Undone by Pit Stop

    Qualifying 13th—his best single-lap performance since Japan—Ocon placed himself directly in the fight with the two Audi entries. He executed a brilliant opening lap, passing both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto to run inside the top ten early on.

    “We are all disappointed, I think we could have got much more, we deserved to be in the points today,” Ocon said after the race. “The plan was to get both Audis at the start and we managed to do so, we got both of them off the line and between Turn 1 and 2. I got Gabi [Bortoleto] first off the launch and then Nico [Hülkenberg] around Turn 2. So, that was very good.

    “We knew it would be hard to hold them off. But we were in front until the stop, at the stop we lost the position. We need to see what I could have done better, if I could have stopped a little bit better position or what happened as I think it was a decent stop so they must have done a really, really good one.

    “But we gave it our all out there. I am proud of everyone, because we come from a long [run] where we were out in Q1, below P15. Now we are fighting for points, so it is pretty positive and encouraging for the rest of the races.”

    Hülkenberg subsequently reclaimed the position during the pit-stop phase under the Virtual Safety Car, ultimately finishing tenth to score a point for Audi. The German manufacturer now trails Haas by just four points in the Constructors’ Championship.

    Progress Confirmed Despite Points Loss

    Ocon remained upbeat regarding the team’s trajectory, emphasizing the correlation between the new parts and improved consistency.

    “Since we got the update obviously, we are seeing when the car is healthy and we don’t have the inconsistency we can perform to a decent level and this is what we need to keep doing,” he added.

    Komatsu: Disappointment Signals Raised Expectations

    Team principal Ayao Komatsu echoed his driver’s sentiment, noting that the collective frustration over an 11th-place finish underscores how far the squad has come since the summer break.

    “The car was functioning very well, the drivers drove well, trackside and remote operations were really good, I think we did our best today. We lost out on the pit stop against Audi, but I don’t believe it was our team’s fault, it’s really the equipment that we need to improve to give them a better chance,” he explained.

    “I’m honestly very happy, it was a huge team effort all around, and the car’s consistency was there, no issues as we’ve had previously.”

    Bearman Finds Pace in Difficult Weekend

    Ollie Bearman also drew positives from a challenging weekend. After a heavy crash in FP3 forced him to start from the pit lane and take new power unit components, the rookie finished 16th but showed competitive lap times when running in clear air.

    “The car was strong, whenever I had clean air, I was right on pace with our competition. It was just unfortunately very rare that I had that, I was stuck in traffic,” he added.

    “I’m positive again, we needed a clean day after what happened yesterday. In that sense we have had that so we can turn the page, learn as much as we can from yesterday, but turn the page, reset and come back stronger in Baku.”

    With the upgrade package validated and both drivers reporting improved balance and consistency, Haas heads to Azerbaijan aiming to convert their renewed form into tangible points and defend their slender Constructors’ Championship advantage over Audi.

  • F1 World Champion Among Drivers for Race of Champions’ First New Zealand Event

    F1 World Champion Among Drivers for Race of Champions’ First New Zealand Event

    Key Highlights

    • Race of Champions confirms inaugural New Zealand event at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on January 9-10, 2027, with four drivers announced.
    • Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel headlines the lineup alongside current F1 driver Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert, and New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon.
    • Event marks the first time the Race of Champions visits New Zealand, promising a multi-discipline motorsport spectacle inside a major sports stadium.

    Race of Champions Unveils First Drivers for Historic Wellington Debut

    The Race of Champions has officially launched its inaugural New Zealand edition, confirming the first four competitors for the event scheduled at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on 9-10 January 2027. The announcement signals a significant milestone for the international motorsport competition, which has never previously staged an event in New Zealand. Organizers have assembled a diverse quartet representing Formula 1, Supercars, and the World Rally Championship, underscoring the series’ signature format of pitting champions from different disciplines against one another in identical machinery.

    Vettel Leads Star-Studded Lineup as Serial ROC Winner

    Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel spearheads the entry list. The German veteran boasts an unparalleled Race of Champions pedigree, having participated in all but two events since 2007. He captured the Nations’ Cup six consecutive years from 2007 to 2012 alongside Michael Schumacher, added a seventh Nations’ Cup victory in 2017 with Pascal Wehrlein, and claimed the individual Champion of Champions title in London in 2015. Vettel revealed the personal connection that helped bring the event to New Zealand.

    “Before ROC Sydney I went for a first quick visit to New Zealand and was blown away by the beauty of the country, so I told the organisers jokingly, ‘Can you please bring the next ROC to New Zealand?’,” Vettel said. “I am really looking forward to competing against so many other champions from across the globe at the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January, and getting a chance to visit more of New Zealand.”

    Bottas, Mostert, and Paddon Complete Opening Quartet

    Joining Vettel is current Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, a 10-time grand prix winner who now competes for the Cadillac team. The Finn will make just his third Race of Champions appearance. Representing the Australian Supercars championship is Chaz Mostert, the freshly crowned 2025 series champion who debuted at the event in Australia earlier this year. The home-nation hero is Hayden Paddon, a WRC rally winner and prominent figure in New Zealand motorsport, who expressed profound enthusiasm for the event’s arrival.

    “It’s amazing to see one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport events come to New Zealand for the first time ever,” Paddon said. “New Zealand is really in a golden age of motorsport at the moment across so many disciplines, and I can’t think of a more fitting celebration of this than hosting the Race Of Champions, that attracts so many of the biggest stars from all around the world.
    “This is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kiwi motorsport fans to get up close and personal with drivers from F1, WRC, circuit and other motorsport forms, all battling it out in equal machinery inside one of New Zealand’s most famous sports stadiums. It’s really a historic event for so many reasons, and I’m personally incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

    Why This Matters: A Watershed Moment for New Zealand Motorsport

    The Race of Champions’ expansion to Wellington represents a strategic growth move for the event, which has traditionally rotated through major European venues and recent editions in Australia and the United States. By staging the competition inside Hnry Stadium—a venue synonymous with rugby and football—the organizers are targeting a mainstream sports audience beyond traditional motorsport circuits. The driver lineup reflects the series’ core philosophy: creating head-to-head matchups that are impossible in conventional championship racing, such as Vettel versus Bottas in a rally car or Paddon versus Mostert in a single-seater. For New Zealand, hosting the event validates Paddon’s assertion of a “golden age” across disciplines, potentially accelerating commercial investment and grassroots participation ahead of the 2027 spectacle.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When and where is the Race of Champions New Zealand event taking place?
    The inaugural Race of Champions New Zealand event is scheduled for 9-10 January 2027 at Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
    Which drivers have been confirmed so far?
    Four drivers are confirmed: four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, current F1 driver Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert, and New Zealand WRC rally winner Hayden Paddon.
    What makes the Race of Champions format unique?
    The Race of Champions pits champions from different motorsport disciplines—Formula 1, WRC, Supercars, and others—against each other in identical cars, creating direct head-to-head competition that does not exist in their respective championships.
  • NFL Week 1 Best Plays: Diving Catches and an Incredible Interception

    NFL Week 1 Best Plays: Diving Catches and an Incredible Interception

    Top Highlights from Week 1 of the 2026/27 NFL Season

    The opening weekend of the 2026/27 NFL campaign delivered instant fireworks, with several standout performers earning spots in the league’s best plays package. Baltimore Ravens playmakers Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry headline the reel, alongside Kansas City Chiefs contributor Kenneth Walker.

    Ravens Duo Leads Highlight Reel

    Flowers and Henry showcased why Baltimore’s offense remains one of the most dynamic in the league. Their Week 1 contributions helped fuel a record-breaking Sunday that also featured victories for the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills.

    Chiefs’ Walker Makes Early Impact

    Kenneth Walker’s inclusion in the top plays underscores Kansas City’s continued depth at skill positions. The Chiefs’ latest weapon wasted no time announcing his presence in the highlight conversation.

    Record-Breaking Opening Weekend

    The first week of the 2026/27 season set new benchmarks across multiple statistical categories. For a full breakdown of how the Bears, Bills, and Ravens secured statement wins on a historic Sunday, read our comprehensive recap.

    Note: This video content is available to UK users only.

  • Audi F1 Junior Freddie Slater Secures F2 Deal for 2027 Season

    Audi F1 Junior Freddie Slater Secures F2 Deal for 2027 Season

    Key Highlights

    • Formula 3 runner-up and Audi F1 junior Freddie Slater will join Invicta Racing for the 2027 Formula 2 season.
    • The 18-year-old Briton secured the 2024 Italian F4 and 2025 Formula Regional European titles before a strong rookie F3 campaign with Trident in 2026, claiming eight podiums and a victory in Hungary.
    • Slater follows the proven Trident-to-Invicta pipeline that produced back-to-back F2 rookie champions Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli, with Rafael Camara currently challenging for the 2026 F2 title.

    Slater Secures 2027 F2 Seat with Invicta Racing

    Formula 3 runner-up Freddie Slater has confirmed his graduation to the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the 2027 season, signing with the Norfolk-based Invicta Racing squad. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the 18-year-old British driver, who serves as a junior for the Audi Formula 1 programme and was recruited to spearhead the manufacturer’s new Driver Development Programme in 2026.

    Slater’s ascent has been rapid. After capturing the 2024 Italian F4 Championship and the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine titles, he stepped up to Formula 3 with the Trident team for the 2026 campaign. Despite being classified as a rookie—though he contested two rounds in 2025—Slater immediately demonstrated title credentials, stringing together four consecutive feature-race podiums to seize the championship lead heading into the summer break.

    Strong Rookie Campaign Yields Runner-Up Finish

    A late-season points drought, where Slater accrued just 15 points across the final five rounds, allowed Campos Racing driver Ugo Ugochukwu to overtake him in the standings. Nevertheless, the Briton finished a comfortable second in the final classification, securing eight total podiums including a feature-race victory in Hungary. He topped the rookie standings ahead of second-year driver Tuukka Taponen and fellow debutant Taito Kato.

    “I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year,” Slater said. “I learned a lot in Formula 3 this season, and I feel I have developed as a driver and as a person over the course of the year. Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together. I am also very grateful for the continued support from the Audi Driver Development Programme. There is still a lot for me to learn, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”

    Following a Proven Championship Pathway

    Slater’s move replicates a highly successful trajectory established in recent years. The Trident-to-Invicta pipeline has delivered three consecutive Formula 3 champions—Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara—who all transitioned to the Norfolk outfit for their rookie F2 campaigns. Bortoleto and Fornaroli each captured the F2 title in their first attempt, while Camara currently sits a close second in the 2026 standings, keeping the streak alive.

    Audi Driver Development Programme director Allan McNish emphasized the strategic fit. “The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver,” said Audi Driver Development Programme director Allan McNish. “He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round – showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year. We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way. Invicta Racing has had an excellent record in recent years, and we are delighted to be working with them. We believe it is the ideal environment for him, and we look forward to supporting him as he takes on this new challenge in 2027.”

    Why This Matters

    Slater’s promotion underscores Audi’s long-term investment in young talent ahead of its anticipated Formula 1 entry. By placing their junior in a team with a documented history of developing rookie champions, the German manufacturer maximizes the probability of immediate competitiveness in F2. For Invicta Racing, securing a driver of Slater’s calibre—backed by a major OEM programme—reinforces their status as the premier destination for F3 graduates. The 2027 season will test whether Slater can convert his qualifying pace and racecraft into a title challenge, emulating Bortoleto and Fornaroli, or whether the step up in tyre management and race strategy presents a steeper learning curve.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Freddie Slater make his Formula 2 debut?

    Freddie Slater will debut in the FIA Formula 2 Championship at the start of the 2027 season with Invicta Racing.

    What championships has Slater won prior to F2?

    Slater won the 2024 Italian F4 Championship and the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine before finishing runner-up in the 2026 Formula 3 Championship.

    How does the Trident-to-Invicta pipeline benefit Slater?

    The last three Formula 3 champions—Gabriel Bortoleto, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara—won their titles with Trident before moving to Invicta Racing for F2. Bortoleto and Fornaroli both won the F2 championship as rookies, establishing a proven development pathway that Slater now enters.

  • Wales Call Up Cian Ashford for Nations League as Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor Injured

    Wales Call Up Cian Ashford for Nations League as Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor Injured

    Wales manager Craig Bellamy has named a 28-man squad for the nation’s return to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, handing a first senior call-up to Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford while confirming the absence of key defender Joe Rodon.

    Rodon Ruled Out as Wales Prepare for League A Gauntlet

    Wales have been drawn in League A alongside Portugal, Denmark, and Norway, but they will face the challenge without first-choice centre-back Rodon. The defender has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, compounding defensive concerns. Fellow centre-back Dylan Lawlor remains sidelined with a long-term knee issue and has yet to feature this season, while Cardiff City teammate Ronan Kpakio is also unavailable.

    Ashford Earns Maiden Call-Up After Strong Championship Start

    The standout inclusion is 21-year-old Ashford, who has impressed during the early stages of the Championship season with Cardiff City. He joins an attacking pool that also includes Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas. The call-up comes as Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill miss out through injury.

    Experienced Returns Bolster Midfield and Defence

    Bellamy welcomes back several established names who missed the June friendlies against Ghana and Romania. Leeds United winger Harry Wilson and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jordan James return from injury, as does Swansea City defender Ben Cabango.

    There are also recalls for forwards Mark Harris and Liam Cullen, alongside a notable return for 10-cap winger Wes Burns. The Leicester City player could make his first international appearance since 2024.

    Davies Targets 101st Cap After Injury Comeback

    Captain Ben Davies retains his place in the squad. The 33-year-old defender had not played since suffering a serious ankle injury with Tottenham Hotspur in January but has recently returned to action for his club. He is now in contention for his first international appearance since October 2023, when he won his 100th cap.

    Fixtures Schedule: Portugal Opener in Extended Window

    Wales begin their campaign with a trip to face Portugal on 24 September, the first of four fixtures in a newly extended international break. A home match against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway is sandwiched between two encounters with Denmark.

    Andrews Misses Out Despite Oxford United Form

    There is no place in the squad for midfielder Kai Andrews, despite an impressive start to his loan spell at Oxford United under manager Aaron Ramsey. Andrews is on loan from Coventry City.

  • Audi Junior, F3 Runner-Up Freddie Slater Set for 2027 F2 Debut

    Audi Junior, F3 Runner-Up Freddie Slater Set for 2027 F2 Debut

    Formula 3 runner-up Freddie Slater, a member of the Audi Driver Development Programme, will graduate to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing for the 2027 season.

    Standout Rookie Campaign Earns F2 Promotion

    The 18-year-old British driver completed a remarkable debut season in FIA Formula 3, securing one Feature Race victory, three pole positions, and eight total podium finishes. Slater narrowly missed the 2024 championship title, finishing 14 points behind champion Ugo Ugochukwu after a season-long battle that extended to the final round.

    Audi Backing Continues Through Single-Seater Ladder

    Slater joined the Audi Driver Development Programme as its inaugural member earlier this year. The manufacturer’s support has accompanied his rapid ascent through the junior ranks, which includes titles in the Ginetta Junior Championship, success in Italian and UAE Formula 4, and a strong showing in the Formula Regional European Championship before stepping up to F3.

    Invicta Racing: Back-to-Back Champions

    Invicta Racing enters 2027 as the dominant force in Formula 2, having claimed consecutive Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in 2024 and 2025. The squad’s proven track record and technical infrastructure made it a natural destination for Slater’s next career step.

    Allan McNish: “Natural Next Step” for Development

    Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme said: “The move to Formula 2 is the natural next step for Freddie, and an important new phase of his development as a driver.

    “He enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season, fighting for the title until the final round – showing his speed, racecraft and progress throughout the year. We are very proud of what Freddie has achieved this season and how he has developed along the way.

    “Invicta Racing has had an excellent record in recent years, and we are delighted to be working with them. We believe it is the ideal environment for him, and we look forward to supporting him as he takes on this new challenge in 2027.”

    Slater “Excited” for New Challenge with Invicta

    “I’m really excited to be stepping up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing next year,” Slater added. “I learned a lot in Formula 3 this season, and I feel I have developed as a driver and as a person over the course of the year.

    “Invicta has a great record in Formula 2, and I cannot wait to get started with the team and prepare for our campaign together.

    “I am also very grateful for the continued support from the Audi Driver Development Programme. There is still a lot for me to learn, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge.”